AllYouCanTech

iFixit Unveils FixHub Tools for Cordless, Portable Soldering

### iFixit Unveils FixHub: A Portable Soldering Solution for DIY Repairs

In a time when contemporary devices increasingly depend on circuit boards and discrete electronics, mastering the art of soldering has become an essential skill for anyone keen on DIY repairs. Whether it involves mending a frayed wire in your headphones, swapping out a component on a circuit board, or reviving an outdated gadget, soldering is frequently the sole method to prevent an otherwise functional device from being tossed into a landfill. However, many find soldering intimidating and out of reach, particularly in the absence of the proper tools or experience.

Introducing iFixit’s **FixHub**, a fresh array of portable soldering tools engineered to make soldering more accessible, even for novices. Renowned for its commitment to repairability and extensive repair guides, iFixit is now broadening its product range with a line of battery-operated soldering tools and kits. These items are crafted to assist both beginners and seasoned DIYers in performing repairs nearly anywhere, eliminating the need for a traditional soldering station.

#### The Significance of Soldering

Soldering constitutes a fundamental capability for repairing a broad spectrum of electronics. As devices grow increasingly complex, with elaborate circuit boards and minuscule components, soldering is often the sole method to replace or mend parts that are otherwise hard to reach. Lacking soldering skills means that many devices that could be easily repaired end up discarded, exacerbating electronic waste.

iFixit’s FixHub strives to diminish the barriers to soldering, providing tools that are mobile, user-friendly, and feature-rich, catering to both novices and those with greater experience.

#### Overview of the FixHub Lineup

The FixHub collection comprises several interconnected products, each tailored to function together or independently, based on your requirements:

1. **Smart Soldering Iron** ($80):
The centerpiece of the FixHub system is the **Smart Soldering Iron**, which operates via USB-C. It includes a beveled 1.5 mm tip, with iFixit planning to introduce six additional tips in the future. The iron can handle power up to 100 watts, outperforming many other USB-C soldering irons available, which typically peak at 60W or 88W on DC power. Additionally, it features a heat-resistant cap, allowing users to quickly pack up after completing a task.

2. **Portable Soldering Station** ($250):
For those requiring more than just the iron, iFixit provides the **Portable Soldering Station**, encompassing the Smart Soldering Iron and a dual-port battery pack. This battery pack powers the iron and serves as a standard backup battery equipped with two USB-C ports, making it a flexible tool for both soldering and charging other gadgets.

3. **Soldering Toolkit** ($300):
The **Soldering Toolkit** is a comprehensive set that contains the Smart Soldering Iron, the Portable Soldering Station, and an array of useful soldering tools. This kit is crafted to furnish everything necessary to embark on soldering, all neatly arranged in a portable, burrito-style carrying case.

#### What Differentiates FixHub?

iFixit recognizes the competitive landscape in the portable soldering market, which includes popular products like the **Pinecil** and **Miniware** USB-C soldering irons. Nonetheless, iFixit asserts that its FixHub system delivers several benefits:

– **Enhanced Power Output**: The Smart Soldering Iron can achieve power levels of up to 100 watts, while many rivals peak at 60W or 88W. This elevated power output enables the iron to heat up more quickly and sustain a steadier temperature, simplifying the work process.

– **Ergonomics and Accessibility**: iFixit has invested considerable resources into refining the ergonomics of the soldering iron, which includes the tip length, cable tension, and overall aesthetics. These enhancements are aimed at making the soldering experience more pleasant and less cumbersome, particularly for beginners.

– **Temperature Regulation**: The Smart Soldering Iron features dual control methods: via a dial on the battery pack or through a local browser interface. This versatility allows users to adjust the temperature accurately, without necessitating a complete soldering station equipped with a heat-setting display.

– **Customer Assistance and Warranty**: In contrast to many competitors, iFixit provides a warranty and customer support based in the US, offering reassurance for users who may require help with their tools.

#### Targeted at Novices and Aficionados

While the FixHub system is crafted to be user-friendly for novices, it also addresses more seasoned users who might lack the space or budget for a comprehensive soldering station. The modular design of the FixHub system permits users to begin with essential tools and enhance their kit as required. For those just

GM and Hyundai Collaborate to Lower Expenses of New Cars and Eco-Friendly Technology

### Hyundai and GM Establish Strategic Alliance to Work on Future Vehicle Innovations

In a noteworthy advancement for the global auto sector, two of the largest manufacturers—Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and General Motors (GM)—have revealed a strategic alliance focused on collaborating in several crucial areas, such as vehicle design, technology advancement, and supply chain management. Together, these automotive powerhouses sold a total of 13.5 million vehicles in 2023, and their partnership could lead to significant changes in the future of transportation.

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European Privacy Authority Probes Google’s Data Utilization for AI Training

**Google Being Examined by EU Privacy Regulator for AI Data Procedures**

Google is currently under scrutiny by the European Union’s privacy authority, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), regarding its management of personal data in the creation of its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This investigation is part of a wider regulatory initiative to evaluate how major technology firms handle personal data during the development of AI solutions, which are increasingly critical to their business strategies.

### Investigation Focus: PaLM 2

The inquiry focuses on Google’s **Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2)**, a sophisticated AI system launched in May 2023. PaLM 2 precedes Google’s latest **Gemini models**, released in December 2023, which are now fundamental to Google’s AI-based text and image generation offerings.

The DPC’s investigation seeks to assess whether Google has adhered to the **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)**, particularly concerning its processing of personal data from EU and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens. The GDPR serves as a comprehensive data protection statute that mandates companies to follow stringent protocols when handling personal data, especially when such activities might significantly impact individuals’ rights and freedoms.

### Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

A crucial part of the investigation is whether Google carried out a **Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)** prior to utilizing personal data for training its AI systems. The GDPR stipulates that a DPIA is required when data processing endeavors are likely to result in elevated risks to individuals’ privacy and rights. This is especially pertinent when incorporating emerging technologies like AI.

The DPC stressed that performing a DPIA is “of vital significance” to ensure the essential rights and freedoms of individuals are sufficiently acknowledged and safeguarded. The regulator is currently reviewing Google’s DPIA as part of the investigative process.

### Google’s Reaction

In light of the inquiry, a Google spokesperson remarked, “We take our responsibilities under the GDPR very seriously and will actively collaborate with the DPC to respond to their inquiries.” This statement indicates that Google is engaging with the investigation and is dedicated to addressing any issues raised by the regulator.

### A Wider Trend: Big Tech Facing Oversight

This investigation is indicative of a broader trend of heightened regulatory oversight on major tech firms, particularly those involved in the creation of large language models (LLMs) and other AI technologies. The DPC, tasked with enforcing GDPR compliance for many of the globe’s largest tech enterprises, has been particularly vigilant in this domain.

In June 2023, **Meta** (previously known as Facebook) halted its initiatives to train its AI model **LLaMA** on public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram within Europe. This choice followed discussions with the Irish regulator, which expressed concerns about the application of personal data in AI training. Consequently, Meta restricted some of its AI products’ availability to users in the area.

Similarly, in July 2023, users of **X** (formerly Twitter) learned that their posts were being utilized to train AI systems created by **xAI**, a startup established by Elon Musk. Following legal actions initiated by the DPC, X paused processing several weeks’ worth of European user data that had been collected to train its **Grok AI** model. This marked the initial instance of the DPC wielding its authority to take such measures against a tech company, indicating a firmer regulatory approach.

### The Increasing Relevance of AI Regulation

As AI technologies progress and become more embedded in everyday activities, regulators are paying closer attention to the development and training of these systems. Large language models like PaLM 2 and Gemini depend on extensive data sets, often containing personal information, to enhance their efficiency. However, this raises considerable privacy issues, particularly in regions such as the EU, where data protection regulations are strict.

The outcome of the DPC’s investigation into Google’s data management practices could establish a benchmark for the regulation of AI models moving forward. If the inquiry concludes that Google contravened GDPR, it could result in substantial fines and stricter governance of AI development throughout the tech sector.

### Conclusion

The inquiry into Google’s PaLM 2 model by the Irish Data Protection Commission underscores the escalating conflict between rapid advancements in AI technologies and the imperative to safeguard individuals’ privacy rights. As regulators like the DPC intensify their examination of Big Tech’s AI pursuits, companies will need to guarantee full compliance with data protection regulations such as the GDPR. This case could act as a precursor for future regulatory measures in the AI domain, as governments and oversight entities globally navigate the challenges posed by the emergence of artificial intelligence.

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*Image Credit: Getty Images | Cesc Maymo*

*Source: The Financial Times Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way.*

Top Officials Indicate NASA Facilities as Some of the Most Degraded They’ve Observed

### NASA Confronts Obstacles with Old Infrastructure, Workforce, and Tech Progress

NASA, the leading space agency of the United States, is encountering substantial challenges that could impede its pursuit of long-term strategic objectives. A recent assessment from a panel of independent experts reveals that NASA is contending with outdated infrastructure, a diminishing budget for mission support, and the potential exodus of engineering talent to the private space sector. These factors, combined with inadequate long-term planning for technology advancement, threaten the agency’s capacity to execute its most ambitious endeavors, including the Artemis initiative aimed at returning humans to the Moon and upcoming crewed missions to Mars.

#### Deteriorating Infrastructure: An Increasing Concern

Among the most urgent challenges outlined in the report is NASA’s aging infrastructure. Approximately 83% of NASA’s facilities have surpassed their intended lifespans, with a maintenance backlog estimated at $3.3 billion. To illuminate the scale of the issue, NASA allocates about $250 million annually for routine maintenance, implying that a $600 million increase in yearly funding for infrastructure repairs would be necessary to clear the backlog within ten years.

“NASA’s dilemma is it always seems to have $3 billion more programs than it has in available funds,” stated Norm Augustine, chair of the National Academies panel responsible for the report. Augustine has chaired similar comprehensive evaluations of NASA’s space initiatives in 1990 and 2009, yet the current assessment presents an even more dire outlook.

The report indicates that a significant number of NASA’s facilities are rated as “marginal to poor” in terms of condition. For instance, the Johnson Space Center in Houston, which manages astronaut training and houses NASA’s Mission Control Center, contains some of the lowest-rated facilities. Other locations, such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, perform better but still face notable challenges.

The declining condition of NASA’s infrastructure transcends superficial concerns. As Erik Weiser, a NASA official, emphasized, “You can possess a world-class microscope and materials lab, but if the building collapses, that microscope is rendered useless.”

#### A Declining Budget for Mission Support

Although NASA’s budget for missions has risen by 8% since 2010, the funding allocated for mission support has decreased by 33%. Consequently, each dollar designated for mission support now has to accommodate 50% more mission activity compared to just over a decade ago. This disparity is especially troubling as NASA embarks on some of the most intricate missions in its history, including the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon.

“In terms of both architectural complexity and technical complexity, NASA today—for instance, in the Artemis program—is tackling challenges that significantly exceed anything encountered during the Apollo program,” Augustine remarked.

The panel advised that Congress create a revolving working capital fund for NASA, akin to those employed by other federal agencies, to guarantee that the agency possesses the resources required to sustain and enhance its infrastructure. This proposal would necessitate federal legislation but could offer a more viable solution to NASA’s infrastructure dilemmas.

#### Absence of Long-Term Technology Planning

Another significant issue raised by the panel is NASA’s deficiency in having a long-range approach for technology development. The federal government functions within one-year budget cycles, with overall spending plans only reaching five years into the future. This short-sighted focus contradicts the extensive timelines necessary for NASA’s missions, which often require decades to accomplish.

“NASA’s operations and missions typically involve decades of efforts, or at least a decade of work,” Augustine noted. The panel urged NASA to create a more comprehensive plan for technology development, which includes establishing “need dates” for mission-critical technologies.

Ed Crawley, an engineering professor at MIT and a panel member, pinpointed three essential technologies that NASA must cultivate to fulfill its long-term objectives: in-space power and propulsion, technologies for entry, descent, and landing on Mars, and radiation safety measures for astronauts. These are what Crawley termed the “three miracles” needed to transport humans to Mars.

#### Competing for Engineering Expertise

The emergence of the commercial space sector, spearheaded by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, presents both opportunities and challenges for NASA. While the agency has reaped benefits from collaborations with these entities, particularly via fixed-price service agreements, there are concerns that NASA’s growing dependence on commercial partners could dilute its own engineering proficiency.

NASA’s commercial collaborators frequently depend on the agency’s technical knowledge and facilities. For example, SpaceX utilized NASA’s launch pads and vacuum chambers to test its Crew Dragon spacecraft. Nonetheless, the panel cautioned that over-reliance on service contracts could relegate NASA’s role to that of a supervisory entity rather than an active engineering organization.

“Very few of the nation’s most innovative scientists and engineers would likely seek or remain in such purely oversight roles,” the panel noted. This scenario could trigger a brain drain, with NASA’s most skilled engineers departing for other opportunities.

Two Private Space Travelers Create History with Thursday Morning Spacewalk

### A Major Advancement for Commercial Space Travel: The Historic Spacewalk of the Polaris Dawn Mission

On Thursday morning, the **Polaris Dawn mission** made a remarkable stride towards the future of space exploration as two private citizens, **Jared Isaacman** and **Sarah Gillis**, briefly stepped outside their **SpaceX Dragon spacecraft**. Although they spent merely eight minutes outside the capsule, this spacewalk represented a groundbreaking success for SpaceX and a significant milestone for the emerging commercial space sector. This was the first instance of a private company, SpaceX, executing a spacewalk, highlighting the expanding potential of private space initiatives.

The mission, funded by Isaacman, ignited an intense two-year timeframe for spacesuit creation, trials, and simulations conducted by SpaceX. The triumph of Thursday’s spacewalk illustrates the company’s swift innovation and dedication to exploring the edges of human space endeavors.

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### An Historic Initial Step

Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and enthusiastic pilot, exited the Dragon spacecraft at **6:52 am ET** (10:52 UTC) as the capsule traversed over Australia. While gazing at Earth from the edge of space, he took a moment to appreciate the breathtaking view below.

“Back home, we have much work ahead, but from this vantage point, Earth truly seems like an idyllic planet,” Isaacman stated, capturing the sense of awe that space travel inspires.

This spacewalk was not only a technical milestone but also a symbolic one, heralding the beginning of a new period where private individuals, rather than solely government astronauts, can embark into the great unknown.

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### The Sequence of the Spacewalk

Following nearly two weeks of weather-related postponements, the **Polaris Dawn mission** launched early on Tuesday aboard a **Falcon 9 rocket**. The crew, including Isaacman, pilot **Scott “Kidd” Poteet**, and SpaceX engineers **Anna Menon** and **Sarah Gillis**, achieved an altitude exceeding 1,400 km on the first day of the mission. They subsequently descended to a lower altitude to set up for the spacewalk on Thursday.

A few hours post-launch, the crew initiated a pre-breathing procedure to adapt their bodies to a diminished pressure environment. By Thursday morning, the cabin pressure inside the Dragon was lowered to **8.6 psi**, slightly higher than the pressure at the base camp of Mount Everest. The astronauts breathed pure oxygen through their suits in preparation for the vacuum of space.

The **Dragon spacecraft**, unlike the International Space Station, lacks an airlock, necessitating the depressurization of the entire cabin. This procedure took roughly 30 minutes. Once the cabin reached a vacuum, the pressure within the astronauts’ suits was decreased to **5 psi**, just under the summit pressure of Mount Everest.

Isaacman then manually opened the hatch and ascended into space, connected to the Dragon by an umbilical cord supplying oxygen and thermal control. He performed a series of tests to assess the mobility of the spacesuit, evaluating hand and body movements as well as tool usage. As the spacecraft flew over New Zealand, Isaacman took one last look at Earth below, now enveloped in darkness.

“It’s stunning,” he commented before re-entering the spacecraft.

Next, **Sarah Gillis**, a SpaceX engineer involved in the spacesuit’s development, followed Isaacman. At just 30 years old, Gillis made history as the youngest individual to walk in space. She conducted similar tests, extending much of her body outside the Dragon while secured to the umbilical cord.

By **7:58 am ET**, the spacewalk came to a close. The entire operation, spanning from depressurization to re-pressurization, was completed in just under two hours.

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### The Significance of This Event

One might question the relevance of this spacewalk, particularly when considering the first spacewalk took place nearly sixty years ago. In 1965, Soviet cosmonaut **Alexei Leonov** spent 12 minutes outside his **Voskhod spacecraft**, and since then, 263 individuals from various countries have performed spacewalks. NASA astronauts **Susan Helms** and **James Voss** even executed a spacewalk lasting almost nine hours in 2001.

So, what makes this specific spacewalk noteworthy?

The answer rests in the fact that this was not a government-backed mission; it was a privately financed and executed venture. Just as **SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket** transformed the launch sector with its rapid reusability, this spacewalk signifies a vital progression in the commercialization of space. The Falcon 9, which first took flight in 2010, has since seen four significant upgrades and now conducts over 100 launches annually, a feat that neither government nor company has accomplished before.

Likewise, this spacesuit and the technology behind it

Engo 2 AR Sunglasses Present Real-Time Workout Information Instantly Within Your Line of Sight

### Engo 2 Smartglasses: A Revolutionary Tool for Fitness Aficionados

In the realm of fitness, information reigns supreme. Regardless of whether you’re a weekend cyclist or a committed professional, keeping tabs on your performance data can boost your improvement and keep you inspired. For fitness lovers who prefer to monitor their stats without the incessant need to glance at a bike computer or smartwatch, the **Engo 2 augmented reality (AR) smartglasses** present a distinctive answer. These technologically advanced shades deliver a heads-up display (HUD) that showcases real-time fitness data directly in your line of sight, enabling you to concentrate on the path ahead while remaining updated.

Retailing at **$299** (or **$349** for the model equipped with photochromic lenses), the Engo 2 smartglasses are crafted to work seamlessly with an assortment of fitness gadgets, including **Garmin bike computers**, **Apple Watches**, **Android Wear devices**, and **Suunto watches**. They utilize **ActiveLook’s** exclusive technology to project data onto the upper-right section of the lens, enabling a fluid way to keep an eye on your performance without interruptions.

### Design and Construction

At first look, the Engo 2 resembles an ordinary pair of athletic sunglasses, albeit with a slightly heftier frame. The broad, curved lenses provide extensive coverage, and the glasses come in two sizes: **36 grams** for the standard model and **41 grams** for the larger variant. While the extra weight is apparent compared to lightweight cycling sunglasses like the **Rockbros photochromic glasses** (which weigh merely 28 grams), most users find they adapt to the additional weight quickly.

The most notable feature of the Engo 2 is the small **metal plate** on the nose bridge, which contains a sensor to control the HUD. A simple swipe across the sensor allows switching between data displays or deactivating the screen. However, this function can be temperamental, particularly if your fingers are damp or if the swipe isn’t vigorous enough.

The glasses come with a **projector** positioned on the right side of the frame, balanced by a similarly weighted component on the left to maintain even weight distribution. The nose rest features an adjustable, rubbery “V” shape that fits various nose sizes, ensuring comfort for extended use.

### Installation and Compatibility

Configuring the Engo 2 is quite simple. After downloading the **ActiveLook app** from the App Store or Google Play, you can link the glasses with your smartphone via Bluetooth. The app guides you through the initial setup process, including adjusting the HUD’s position to match your liking.

For those using Apple Watch, there’s a **WatchOS app** that enables workout initiation and displays metrics such as heart rate, speed, elapsed time, and distance covered. Runners can also observe advanced metrics like **ground contact time**, **stride length**, and **vertical oscillation**. However, cyclists will maximize the Engo 2’s potential when combined with a **Garmin bike computer**, as it accommodates a broader array of data fields, including **speed**, **cadence**, **power output**, and beyond.

Regrettably, the Engo 2 is not compatible with **Wahoo** or **Hammerhead** cycling computers, which may deter some users. Furthermore, setting the glasses up to interact with a Garmin device can be somewhat tedious, necessitating the installation of the **Garmin ConnectIQ** app and manual data screen configuration.

### Road Performance

After setup, the Engo 2 smartglasses excel in practical application. The HUD is vibrant and sharp, even under diverse lighting situations, due to its automatic brightness adjustment feature. The display presents critical metrics like speed, cadence, and power output, allowing you to maintain focus on your ride without the constant need to look at a bike computer or smartwatch.

The HUD is positioned on the upper-right section of the right lens, and while it may take several rides to accustomed to, most users find it manageable to overlook when unnecessary. The display features a **battery percentage** indicator and a **clock** at the top, along with three customizable data rows beneath. The glasses can support up to six data screens, though many users prefer to stick with the first one, as swiping between screens can be challenging, particularly with sweaty fingers.

In solitary rides, the Engo 2 proves especially advantageous for **interval training**. For instance, you can track your power output during high-intensity bursts without diverting your gaze from the road. During group rides or races, the glasses assist in sustaining a steady pace and monitoring your exertion, particularly when leading a paceline or ascending hills.

### Battery Life and Charging

The Engo 2 boasts a **12-hour battery life**, adequate for most rides. However, recharging the glasses can prove somewhat inconvenient. The charging cable